This book provides an up-to-date review of hydrolase structure and function relationships and the means by which these important enzymes can be better utilized. There is a focus on understanding cellulase and hemicellulase action - a strategy based in macromolecular modelling, site-directed mutagenesis, active site mapping, heterologous expression, and classical kinetic characterization. Discussions of new information about cellulase enzymes and systems highlight
recent accomplishments and trends in the field of glycosyl hydrolase biochemistry, such as several new crystallographic structures of important cellulase and methods for improving activity by protein engineers.